Aces trump Salmon Kings

Published on April 12, 2007 under ECHL (ECHL)
Victoria Salmon Kings News Release


Victoria, BC - The Victoria Salmon Kings, proud affiliate of the Manitoba Moose and the Vancouver Canucks, kicked off a milestone three-game playoff set at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre versus the Alaska Aces, but were frozen by the defending Kelly Cup champs 5-2.

The Aces quieted the crowd of 3,356 early as Julian Talbot scored his second of the series, catching a high bouncing rebound from a long shot by Defenseman Stephen Wood and slipped it five-hole on Goaltender Julien Ellis. Victoria knotted the score 1-1 at 5:56 in the first, while on their first powerplay of the game. Mike Stutzel stepped up from the point to the right circle and floated the puck to the net, and it was tapped down underneath Netminder Derek Gustafson by Victoria's Steve Lingren in waiting.

Under one minute later, Alaska regained the lead in a four-on-four rush. A soft shot from Kevin Croxton in the slot deflected off a shoulder in screen traffic and fooled Ellis.

Alaska added to the lead in the second stanza as Kimbi Daniels found his first goal of the series. After a Salmon Kings powerplay surge, Daniels picked off a pass at the centre line and beat Ellis gloveside on the shorthanded breakaway for the 3-1 advantage.

The Aces climbed to a three-goal lead with 3:33 remaining in the middle frame as Julian Talbot chased down the puck to the corner, carried it out to the right circle, and the rebound from his shot was scooped in by Mike Scott. Victoria ignited the crowd with 1:19 left in the period as Darryl Lloyd sped up ice to rope in a long feed from Phil Cole, and he dropped it for Derek Krestanovich in the slot. Krestanovich earned his first point of the playoffs beating Gustafson with a wristshot.

The Salmon Kings began the third stanza on the powerplay, but shortly after it expired the Aces cut off a clearing attempt along the right boards and Wood took a shot from the right circle. The rebound was pushed across the slot and Matt Robinson threw it into the open cage for his second goal of the series.

Final: 5-2 Aces

Gustafson lifted the Aces to the 2-1 series advantage, and Ellis suffered his second loss. Victoria was 1 for 8 on the powerplay and Alaska was 0 for 3 with the man advantage. The Salmon Kings outshot the Aces 37-30. The Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre hosts game four of the series tomorrow starting at 7:00 p.m.

NOTES:

- Darryl Lloyd was named third star and earned his first ECHL playoff point.

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ECHL Stories from April 12, 2007


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